Sitting surrounded by hotels, shops, restaurants, and residential areas, Fort Lauderdale Beach unfolds a vast expanse of amber-hued sand shores. Apart from sunbathing, tanning, and swimming, the beach is also known for hosting various open-air events, cultural festivals, and boat shows. The sunny beach has seen tourists from all over the world flock here to enjoy the smooth blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. If you are in the mood for some cocktails, lounging under umbrellas, shopping, and acquiring a beautiful tan, you won’t find a better place to be than the famous Fort Lauderdale Beach.
This massive park was Hugh Taylor Birch's donation to the state of Florida. Birch came to Florida in the latter part of the 19th Century and promptly fell in love with the area. He eventually purchased more than three miles of oceanfront property in the little town of Fort Lauderdale. More than a century later, Fort Lauderdale is now a busy metropolis, and Birch's land thrives as a wildlife preserve and botanical wonderland. Several animal and plant species have found a safe home here. Visitors are free to hike or bike the designated trails, canoe around the lagoon, take a dip in the ocean and visit Birch's home. Excellent camping facilities can also be availed here.
Fort Lauderdale Beach Park is a well-maintained park, ideal for a fun day with your family and friends. In addition to all the sun and sand, the park has a lovely play area that keeps the children occupied while you set up a lovely picnic. Amenities include outdoor showers, restrooms, picnic tables, and grills. Those interested can also hit the basketball and volleyball courts for fun group games. Due to its prime location, this park is touted to be one of the most famous beach parks in the city.
If you are looking to unwind and spend some quality time alone or with your family and friends, pay a visit to Colee Hammock Park. A natural haven with waterfront features, this picturesque park is perfect for a small picnic. You can either take a walk along the luscious grasslands barefoot, admire the incredible views of the river, sit under the shade of a large tree and meditate, or simply enjoy the scenic beauty. The spectacular waterside location also makes for an ideal outdoor event venue for hosting weddings or other gatherings.
The Riverwalk area in downtown Ft. Lauderdale is known for its entertainment quotient and live performances. Dotted by restaurants, parks, theaters and some cool bars, The Riverwalk is a great place to take a leisurely stroll, enjoy a delicious meal, or simply party the night away. Broward Center for the Performing Arts, the Florida Grand Opera and the Museum of Discovery and Science are a few attractions in the vicinity. If you are looking for a different experience embark on a boat ride where you may catch a glimpse of the famous Millionaire Row.
A 1920s construction, this historic two-story, 35.4-acre (14.32-hectare) waterfront house was once the winter home of artist Frederic Clay Bartlett and his wife, Evelyn. The Bonnet House is serenely elegant and preserved amidst the urban expansion of Fort Lauderdale Beach, making the land all the more special. Mrs. Bartlett, who died in 1997, gave the estate to the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation in 1983 to keep the property unchanged. Several concerts and events are held here throughout the year, and the house is available for private events such as weddings. Named after a waterlily, that once inhabited the property, the Bonnet House is open year-round for guided tours.
Victoria Park is a neighborhood of Fort Lauderdale, nestled in the heart of the city. This small district is surrounded by various neighborhoods, Flagler Village lies to its west, Beverly Hills to its south, Lake Ridge to the north and Sunrise Key and Nurmi Islands on the east. Victoria Park blends modernity into its historical beauty. Holiday Park is a prime attraction in this neighborhood; it features play fields for various sports, hockey rink and an auditorium. Enjoy a walking tour around Victoria Park.
Normandy Fountain proudly stands sentinel over the Normandy Isle Monument surrounded by lush well-manicured lawns and shady trees. The fountain forms the backdrop for frequent music concerts and other local events that are hosted in the park. The fountain and park are landmarks in the heart of the Normandy Isles and is the perfect spot to people watch or to just sit back and relax.
Among the cramped spaces and hustle of the city life, Anniversary Park is a breath of fresh air with its picturesque landscape and it is a great place to spend some quality time with your children. Although it is mainly promoted as a children's park, the beautiful property, consisting of sturdy magnolia and oak trees and pretty flowering shrubs, is a treat to your sore eyes and is a great choice for a long stroll. The picnic benches, game tables, and the shaded playground area in the park allow your toddlers to play and enjoy themselves thoroughly.
The Everglades and Florida Keys are heavens for outdoor enthusiasts, and Wild Lime Adventure is here to exploit their wonder to the fullest. A popular tour company, Wild Lime Adventure has a plethora of activities on offer. Their tours cover everything from the treasures of the turquoise oceans to the verdant habitats defining the region. If you have a time constraint, Wild Lime Adventure has half-day tours like the airboat ride, birding excursions and wildlife trail for you. Managed by knowledgeable guides, these activities are as authentic as they can get because of the insights shared by naturalists accompanying the groups. Those who have an entire day to spare, they should indulge in the snorkeling trips, eco adventure and the famous swamp tours with Wild Lime Adventure.
Whether you're are boat enthusiast or just a thrill seeker, this ride in a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) will satisfy your needs. The tour takes up to six passengers per boat along 30 miles (48.28 kilometers) of South Florida's shoreline while gaining speeds up to 50 mph (80.47 km/h). Tours include speeding thrill rides as well as relaxing sunset cruises. All tours are given by Coast Guard certified captains on a 28-foot (8.5-meter) Zodiac RIB.
Fort Lauderdale's impressive canal system has earned it the title of the 'Venice of America', and Las Olas Gondola ensures that it lives up to its name. The gondola makes the perfect setting for a romantic outing, irrespective of whether you choose the simple Casa Magnifico Tour or the more elaborate Lovely Romantico Tour. The typical Venetian gondola can be hired for a number of events.